Ontario Iron Works Factory		Ontario Iron Works Machine Shop

      The Ontario Iron Works was founded in the year 1832 by Benjamin Snow, Sr. and William Greenwood. Benjamin Wright, a surveyor and owner of about 300 acres of land within the village limits, donated the land whereon the main building of the works was erected. This was done with the provision "That a two-story stone structure, 40 by 60 feet in dimensions and lying due north and south, should be constructed." Considerable interest was manifested by the residents of the village when Surveyor Wright with tripod and compass, located the lines. The first firm operated the works about five years and was succeeded by Snow, Brown & Simmons. After five years, this in turn was succeeded by Snow & Thomas, who remained in control two years and was followed by Snow & Dodge for four years. At this time Snow & Fisher assumed control, which they held a portion of one year to the date of the death of the senior member of the firm which occurred Nov. 4, 1818. Norman G. Snow, eldest son of Benjamin Snow, sr., with Fisher & Osgood, conducted the works till the spring of 1849, at which time Norman G. Snow assumed control and operated the plant till the year 1854, when Fisher & Wood became owners of the property. In the year 1856 this firm was succeeded by Fisher & Ling, who conducted it for about thirty years. This firm enlarged the main building, erected a convenient foundry and greatly increased the business. In the year 1883 the firm Averill and Sharp became the owners and retained possession until July, 1892, when Arthur E. Olmstead, of Orwell, N. Y., purchased the property and promptly commenced the work of replacing the buildings and replacing the old machinery with the most modern makes. Skilled men were employed and the manufacture of a superior make of portable engines and boilers for the New England market was inaugurated. Charles A. Kinney, of Meriden, Conn., general agent, by his exceptional ability as manager and salesman, created so vigorous a market for this product that an addition to the machine shop became necessary. A two-story brick building, 50 by 70 feet in dimensions was accordingly built in the year 1901. With this addition it is now running with extended equipment and forms one of the most complete plants in this vicinity. The engines and boilers are absolutely safe in operation. The utmost precaution is used in the selection of all materials entering into their construction and the most pronounced satisfaction is expressed by the purchaser and operator. The proprietor has the confidence of the community, who admire his energy, his business ability and progressiveness and they justly expect that an increasing and profitable business will amply reward him.

Information Sources

• Historical Souvenir of Pulaski, NY & Vicinity, 1902, pgs. 39-40